Marilyn Smith, Broker

Marilyn Smith is a real estate agent representing buyers, sellers and investors in Seattle's housing market. Additionally, Marilyn shares her passion for the Arts & Architecture through personal photographs of good design, and monthly profiles of local real estate artisans.

INTO ULTRA VIOLET

Decorating your Seattle home with Pantone’s ‘Color of the Year’ for 2018

Each year, design pros eagerly await the Color of the Year announcement from the experts at Pantone®. No matter what the hue, it’s always sure to make a splash—and home goods are no exception. From appliances and décor to tile and paint, manufacturers will start rolling out options to match (and complement) the Pantone Color of the Year.

Pantone® Ultra Violet is the pick for 2018. This is no shrinking violet: It’s a deep blue-purple that isn’t for the shy. No wonder that the Pantone announcement referenced icons known for showmanship like David Bowie, Prince and Jimi Hendrix.

Embracing a color this bold into your home might seem like a giant leap, but it could make a big mood difference in your home during the long, grey days of Seattle winters. We have assembled a few ways to incorporate Ultra Violet into your home – some large and some small.

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

Painting your front door adds instant curb appeal. Red’s a classic hue and teal is an up-and-comer, but this entry’s regal purple is a real knockout.
Set the Scene

Funny thing about purple: Though we tend to think of it as a scene-stealer, cooler shades in the blue-gray range can work almost like neutrals. Here, purple walls marry an eclectic mix of midcentury-inspired décor.

LOOK AROUND

You’ve seen the accent wall. How about the accent ceiling? A rich grape hue adds an unexpected twist to this bedroom’s gray walls and white trim. It gets extra punch from the peek of red seen through the doorway.

CONSIDER TEXTURE AND SHEEN

One secret to pulling off a jewel tone like these royal purple walls: Choose a matte finish. Shine plus color can be hard to pull off, but a flatter finish is, well, flattering.

ADD STATEMENT FURNITURE

If you’re planning on using Ultra Violet in a bedroom or living area, consider incorporating it in a piece of statement furniture. In this case, the pieces will act as the focal point of the room, since it will undoubtedly capture plenty of attention. With that in mind, bed frames, ottomans and reading chairs are excellent options to fill this role.

OPT FOR ACCESSORIES

For those who are a bit nervous about jumping into a design full of intense shades, keep in mind that you can always incorporate Ultra Violet into your accessories. These are a great starting point because they generally include lower-cost items that can easily be replaced when your tastes change or if you decide you’re not a big fan of the look.

Welcome to
Seattle ARTS & ARCHITECTURE

In May, Seattle Arts & Architecture profiled world-renowned rock photographer Kevin Westenberg, whose 30-year career has included photographing hundreds of the world’s most famous bands – including The Rolling Stones, U2, Nirvana, and Mary J. Blige. That story was filled with photos from the just-completed remodeling of his Lake Washington waterfront home. And now, that home has been listed and is available for viewing in open houses this weekend!

To view the listing, and see the after photos, CLICK HERE • To read our interview with Kevin and see a gallery of his before photographs, CLICK HERE.

I also have a second new listing that just became available. It’s a rare opportunity to own a darling house surrounded by Greenbelt in East Seattle, Mercer Island near Fabin Point. To view this listing CLICK HERE

And get first quarter 2018 analysis of the Western Washington real estate market from Windermere Real Estate Economist Matthew Gardnerhere.